Key takeaways
- School readiness is mostly about everyday skills: looking after themselves, using their hands, managing feelings, listening and getting along with others. Knowing letters and numbers matters much less.
- In NSW, children can start Kindergarten in the year they turn 5 if their birthday is on or before 31 July. They must be enrolled by their 6th birthday.
- No child ticks every box. A few “not yet” answers are normal. Several across different areas are worth a closer look.
- Term 4 is a good time to check, because there’s still the summer holidays to practise before Term 1.
If your child starts Kindergarten next year, you’ve probably wondered whether they’re ready. Maybe a preschool educator has mentioned something, or your child still needs help with the toilet, their shoes or saying goodbye at drop-off.
This checklist is the one our occupational therapists in Northmead use as a starting point with Western Sydney families. Work through it at home over a week or two, watching what your child does on an ordinary day.
What does “school ready” really mean?
The NSW Department of Education describes school readiness as a child’s overall development and ability to thrive at school, not their reading, writing or maths. Children keep building those skills through Kindergarten.
What teachers notice in the first weeks are practical things. Can a child open their lunchbox? Ask to go to the toilet? Sit on the mat for a story? Cope when it’s time to pack up? Those are the skills this checklist covers.
The school readiness checklist
For each item, answer yes, sometimes or not yet. Base your answers on what your child usually does, not their best day.
1. Self-care and independence
- Uses the toilet independently, including wiping, flushing and washing hands
- Tells an adult when they need the toilet
- Takes a jumper on and off, and puts on shoes (velcro is fine)
- Opens their lunchbox, drink bottle and most food packaging
- Eats a meal without much help
- Recognises their own bag and belongings
2. Hands and fine motor skills
- Holds a crayon or pencil with a developing grip (a mature three-finger grip isn’t expected yet)
- Snips with scissors and is starting to cut along a line
- Draws a circle and a cross, and is starting to try a square
- Has a go at writing some letters of their name
- Uses a glue stick and peels stickers
3. Body skills and posture
- Sits on the floor or a chair for a short activity without slumping or sliding off
- Runs, climbs and jumps with confidence on playground equipment
- Catches a large ball and joins in simple ball games
- Carries their bag and manages steps safely
4. Feelings, senses and coping
- Recovers from an upset with some adult help, without long meltdowns
- Stops an activity they enjoy when it’s time to move on (with a warning)
- Copes with noisy, busy spaces such as a hall or playground
- Tolerates a uniform, hat and sunscreen
- Waits for a turn for a short time
5. Listening and attention
- Listens to a short story in a group
- Follows a two-step instruction, such as “Get your hat and line up at the door”
- Stays with a short table activity they didn’t choose
- Notices and responds when an adult talks to the whole group
6. Talking and getting along
- Tells an adult what they need (toilet, hurt, hungry, help)
- Is understood by unfamiliar adults most of the time
- Joins in play and takes turns with other children
- Says their full name and answers simple questions
- Separates from you at drop-off with some support
How do I read the results?
- Mostly “yes” across all six areas: your child is likely on track. Keep practising through everyday routines.
- A few “sometimes” or “not yet” in one area: that’s common. Use the summer ideas below and check again in January.
- Several “not yet” across two or more areas, or concerns from preschool: it’s worth an occupational therapy assessment so you know where to focus before Term 1.
If most of your concerns sit in area 6 (talking, being understood, following language), a speech pathologist may be the right first step. Read more about speech delay and late talkers.
Summer holiday practice ideas
Ten minutes a day, built into routines you already have, is plenty.
- Uniform practice: put the school uniform and shoes on a few times before day one.
- Lunchbox picnics: pack the real lunchbox and let your child open everything themselves.
- Play dough and scissors: squeeze, roll and snip play dough to build hand strength. Our post on 5 OT-approved play activities has more ideas.
- A morning routine chart: use pictures for getting dressed, breakfast and packing a bag.
- Playdates: a familiar face from the same school can make the first week easier.
- School visits and stories: walk past the school, use the playground on weekends, and read picture books about starting school.
For what to expect with pencil grip, see our guide to fine motor milestones by age.
How can an OT help with school readiness?
Our school readiness program starts with an assessment of your child’s fine motor, self-care, sensory, attention and social skills. You’ll get a clear picture of strengths and gaps, plus a summary your child’s teacher can use.
Where therapy is recommended, it’s usually 6 to 12 weekly sessions with parent coaching, so skills carry over to home and the classroom. You don’t need a referral to book.
Our occupational therapists see families from Northmead, Parramatta, Baulkham Hills, Westmead and across Western Sydney. We support NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families, and Medicare or private health rebates may apply. See our funding options or contact our Northmead team.
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child start Kindergarten in NSW?
Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July that year. By law, children must be enrolled in school by their 6th birthday.
Does my child need to read or write their name before Kindergarten?
No. Reading, writing and maths are taught at school. It helps if your child is interested in books and has a go at drawing and writing, but readiness is more about self-care, coping skills, listening and getting along with others.
Should I hold my child back a year?
That’s a family decision, best made with your child’s preschool educators. If you’re unsure, an occupational therapy assessment can show where your child’s skills sit and what support might help. It won’t make the decision for you, but it gives you more information.
What does an OT school readiness assessment involve?
The occupational therapist watches your child play and try tasks such as drawing, cutting, dressing and following instructions. They also ask about home and preschool. Afterwards you’ll talk through strengths, areas to work on and practical next steps.
Do I need a referral for a school readiness assessment?
No. You can book directly. A GP referral is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate through a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan or another Medicare pathway.
References
- NSW Department of Education. Starting Kindergarten FAQs.
- Raising Children Network. Primary school: preparing children.
- Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority. Approved learning frameworks (EYLF V2.0).